Double Ugly Decals are one of the AirDoc family and as the title indicates, this is based on the F-4 Phantom II. For their first 1/72 sheet, they have picked one of the favorites of most Phantom Phans, VF-84. Their black-tailed skull and crossbones markings are such that the markings have moved on to other squadrons as VF-84 was disestablished after the Tomcat years.

This set of sheets, for set it is, comes with an eight page booklet full of color profiles, four views and photographs of most of the aircraft. You can do two of the markings options using the insignia and data sheet; probably more with kit decals and some painting.

It covers the full history of the Phantom II and VF-84 starting with an F-4B, 151474 aboard the USS Independence in 1964 that uses the 'flag' tail markings. Aircraft 151471 is similarly marked.

The third option is from a black tailed F-4B, 151516 in 1965 with mission markings from their Vietnam deployment.

Moving to NAS Oceana for a while and converting to the F-4J during , we have the first of the AE tail coded planes. These and following planes were assigned to the USS FDR. A 1970 CAG bird is also included in the sheet.

In 1974, there was a move to the F-4N and the rest of the aircraft are of this variant. It makes for a total of seven different options.

The two sheets are superbly printed by Boaagency. In addition to markings information, the instructions provide a full list of currently available kits and conversions/accessories available. It is not totally encompassing as there are currently out of production items that may also be appropriate, for those who hoard! In all, it is a superlative sheet that no USN F-4 Phantatic will want to be without.

My thanks to Double Ugly Decals for the review sheet. You can find these at your local hobby shop and if not, ask them to order them for you. 

This same set of subjects is available for 1/48 builders.

June 2011

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.